What is Meningitis?

Freddie had just returned from the hospital.   He looked so worried and exhausted. His daughter had been admitted at the hospital the day before for meningitis. He was lost when the doctor first mentioned the diagnosis; series of questions followed. What is it? Will it kill my daughter? Can it spread to her siblings? It was indeed a hard time for him and his wife.   

Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord, the meninges. This covering form a protective layer over the brain, and within it lies blood vessels and fluid that nourish and protect the brain. But when this protective covering is infected, the brain is in danger.   

Meningitis can happen to anyone, regardless of age. The infection can be caused by several types of bugs, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even tuberculosis.  

So how does one contract this infection?   

Meningitis is often caused by common bugs. If there is an infection of an area of the body close to the brain, such as the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, the infective bugs could spread to infect the meninges. Sometimes, it could be caused by a medical procedure that comes in close contact or even breaks through the meninges. Any such medical procedure, such as anesthesia through the spine or a procedure to collect fluid from the spine, may increase the risk of meningitis. Sometimes meningitis occurs without an obvious source of prior infection.  

What are the symptoms of meningitis?   

Symptoms of meningitis include:   

• A high temperature  
• Tiredness  
• Severe headache  
• Stiff neck  
• Dislike of bright lights  
• Unconsciousness  
• Seizures  

If untreated or not recognized on time, meningitis could lead to severe complications such as blindness, irreversible brain damage, mental retardation, and recurrent convulsions. In very severe cases, it leads to death.   

Is meningitis treatable?   

Meningitis is treatable, especially when detected early.  

• If you notice these three cardinal symptoms: headache, fever, and stiff neck, a diagnosis of meningitis must be excluded.    
• However, you don’t have to wait till your child has those symptoms, if your child has any infection anywhere around the head and neck, including the ears, eyes, and mouth, it needs to be treated to prevent meningitis from developing.   

• Immediate initiation of antibiotics is key when treating meningitis.   

Meningitis should not be taken lightly   

There are available vaccines to prevent this deadly infection. Seek information from your health provider about how to get your family vaccinated. Also, maintain good hygiene, including hand washing to prevent the spread of bugs that cause meningitis.